capable

adjective

ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce capable (audio)
Definition of capablenext
as in suitable
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance a capable and efficient editor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of capable The idea comes as Chinese and US technology companies race to develop more capable embodied AI. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026 On the other, a nation led by the best player in the history of the sport in Lionel Messi — now 39, but still capable of deciding the biggest matches almost single-handedly. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 18 July 2026 Elsewhere, monsoonal moisture in the Southwest could fuel another round of thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding extending from West Texas and New Mexico into central and northern Arizona and southern Utah. — Aleem Agha, ABC News, 18 July 2026 Not all parents believe their child is capable of responsibly handling large amounts of money at that age. — Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for capable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capable
  1. suitable
  2. qualified
  3. competent
  4. able
Adjective
  • The demonstration showed that advanced AI could operate on compact hardware suitable for autonomous space missions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
  • Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide A paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is suitable for removing everyday grime and stains.
    — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • In that time, only Scheffler and Xander Schauffele – the last two Champion Golfers of the Year – have a better scoring average at the Open among qualified players than McIlroy does.
    — Justin Ray, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • The portion reserved for qualified institutional buyers was subscribed 140 times, with most of the bids coming from domestic institutional investors such as banks and insurance companies.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Definition of qualified
Adjective
  • The judge will rule as early as August on whether Timaloa is competent to stand trial.
    — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
  • Animation Similar to Fresco, Procreate offers a competent tool (Animation Assist) for creating simple animations such as short loops and frame-by-frame or hand-sketched motion.
    — Shelby Putnam Tupper, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026
Definition of competent
Adjective
  • On the few occasions Mbappe was able to get into the box, the Real Madrid striker was swarmed by multiple defenders as Spain was determined to make anybody else defeat them.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Miami Heat owner Micky Arison will soon be able to add to his resume in the basketball world.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of able

Browse Nearby Words

capability
capable
capableness
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Cite this Entry

“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capable. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on capable

Nglish: Translation of capable for Spanish Speakers

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